Interactionism - Beliefs Flashcards
What was Weber’s focus?
Interested in the origins of Capitalism and why it developed in some countries and not others.
What did Weber find that was required for Capitalism to develop?
A country required both the right economic conditions (money economy, legal system, technology etc) and the right values (which emphasised the pursuit of profit for its own sake)
Where was found to have the right conditions?
Western Europe and especially amongst Calvinists
What is the definition of Calvinism?
A group of protestants who followed the teachings of a preacher called Calvin. Calvin emphasised hard work and very simple living.
What is the Calvinist belief of predestination?
Wether we are to be saved - one of the ‘elect’ - determined by God before we are born. It is predetermined and unchangeable whether we go to heaven or hell
What is the Calvinist belief of asceticism?
The ideal life is a very simple, frugal one. Wearing simple clothes, avoiding excesses and abstaining from drink
What is the Calvinist belief of vocation or ‘calling’?
God has called people to undertake certain roles and we should work hard in ours. It is our religious duty to do the best we can, to be focused and not distracted. Idleness seen as a sin.
How did Calvinist beliefs lead to Capitalism?
Working hard, being successful and making money were a sign of being on of the elect. This success could not be spent on lavish living as they believed in asceticism but profit was reinvested to make more profit = capitalism
What did historian Tawney claim?
That Capitalism emerged before Calvinism. Argues Calvinism was adopted by the ruling class as a religious justification for capitalist ideas
How could other religions have led to Capitalism?
Weber is criticised for misunderstanding other religions e.g. underestimating the Capitalist spirit of the Jews who were openly interested in profit and were very competitive
How might Weber have interpreted Calvinism wrong?
Some claim Weber misunderstood Calvinist teachings and that many preachers taught that wealth was a great danger of wealth providing temptation. Also unclear why god would view economic success as a major attribute, and unclear why they would keep their earrings and donate to the poor
What is Berger’s idea of Universe of Meaning?
Religion provides a set of beliefs and moral codes that guide people’s behaviour. All behaviour has a meaning.
What is Berger’s idea of Theodicy of disprivilege (first used by Weber)?
Is a religious justification and explanation for social inequality and social deprivation, explaining marginalisation of believers. Often used as a test of faith with promises of a compensating reward in the afterlife
What is Berger’s idea of scared canopy?
Stretches over society like a protective cover. Provides meaning and without it life would be meaningless and chaotic.
Why does Berger suggest many people may no longer use religion to prove their universe of meaning?
As the rise of reason, science and logic gives individuals a different way to understand their social world
